Bonneville V6-231 3.8L VIN 3 SFI (1988)
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE:
1.
Perform basic system checks in section 6E of the service manual.
2.
Check for service bulletins which relate to cold driveability issues specific to the problem vehicle.
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An updated engine control calibration, or service procedure, may be available to make the engine less susceptible to low volatility fuels.
3.
If basic checks do not reveal a vehicle fault, then advise the customer that fuel quality may be an issue.
Recommend the following actions:
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Change brands of fuel
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Use 87 octane gasoline, unless the vehicle is designed for premium gasoline.
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Try to empty the fuel tank as much as practical before refilling.
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Run a minimum of three tanks of new fuel before returning for service.
4.
If above steps are ineffective, do not proceed with additional vehicle diagnosis and/or parts replacement until the fuel tank has been drained and
refilled with a known good quality gasoline AT THE DEALERSHIP.
5.
If the problem remains refer to service manual, service bulletins and/or technical assistance.
NOTE:
This TSB has been updated by TSB # 9367, dated 11/92.
Dear Pontiac Owner:
As with many other things you put in your vehicle, the fuel you use affects the way your vehicle operates. You may have noticed that your engine runs
differently for a while after filling up at a gas station you do not normally use. Unfortunately, the fuel you use can even cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, backfiring, hesitation, rough idle, lack of power, or spark knock.
Although fuel may look the same everywhere, all fuels are not the same. Fuels are blended differently based on the time of year the fuel is blended, by
whom, and in what part of the country. Even after the fuel is blended, it can change based on where and how long it is stored. Also, the Environmental
Protection Agency recently changed the guidelines used to blend fuels. All of these factors affect fuel properties which in turn affect the way your vehicle
performs.
Consequently, if you bring your vehicle in with a driveability concern like one of those listed above, your dealer may replace the fuel in your tank or ask
you to change the gas station you use for a period of time to determine if the fuel you are getting is the cause of the condition. If your dealer mentions
fuel is the cause of a concern or suggests switching gas stations to see if fuel is the cause, please follow their instructions. Your dealer is best equipped to
determine whether or not fuel is the cause of the condition.
As always, the aim of Pontiac and your Pontiac dealer is to satisfy you, the customer, with our vehicles. If you have any questions or concerns about your
Pontiac, we stand ready to serve you.
